What we’re hearing on the Bills: Buffalo is well aware of the challenge in trying to defend QB Drake Maye, with multiple Bills defenders noting his command of the offense and the support he has received from his playmakers. The high-stakes nature of the game was felt around the building. QB Josh Allen spoke highly of Maye. “He’s playing like a veteran quarterback. He’s seeing things extremely well. He plays at a great pace. It looks like things have slowed down for him. Which again, we hate to see that, right?” Allen said jokingly. “But I’m happy for how well he’s playing because he’s a great human being on top of being a football player.” — Alaina Getzenberg
What we’re hearing on the Patriots: Coach Mike Vrabel and Patriots players are embracing the magnitude of the game and the chance to clinch the AFC East title. “This is a great stage that we put ourselves on, and that’s exciting,” Vrabel said. WR Stefon Diggs, who spent four seasons in Buffalo, added: “This game is a little different because you’re playing for something. Every team in the league can’t say that.” And Maye said the chance to do it against the Bills adds to the dynamic. “They’ve won the division for five years [in a row]. So, we have something we need to go take, and know it’s going to be hard to do, but we’re up for it,” Maye said. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: Maye is one of eight QBs since 1950 to win at least 10 straight games in the first two seasons of his career. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Bills CB Christian Benford will allow fewer than 20 yards in coverage. It’s not quite the zero yards allowed (plus a pick-six and sack) that he had in his monster Week 14 game, but if he stays hot, that will go a long way toward a Bills victory. — Walder
What’s at stake: The Patriots can clinch the AFC East with a win. New England has won 21 division titles since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, which is the fourth most in the NFL. See Playoff Machine. — ESPN Research
Fantasy nugget: The Bills’ defensive front has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to RBs, which bodes well for Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson. Even though he appears to be back in a timeshare with Rhamondre Stevenson, Henderson still belongs in lineups because of his explosiveness. He has averaged 12.4 touches and 11.4 fantasy points per game this season, which provides a reasonable floor. See Week 15 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Patriots have covered five straight division games (3-0 against the spread this season). The Bills are 0-3 ATS in their past three division games. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Patriots 31, Bills 20
Moody’s pick: Patriots 24, Bills 21
Walder’s pick: Bills 24, Patriots 20
FPI prediction: BUF, 53.5% (by an average of 1.5 points)
